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Tomas Quezada
My experience ranges across a diverse fields of biology. In addition to being a biologist I am also a business owner. My LLC CasaOropel is a sucessful real estae business with an aim to provide sustainable and affordable housing to the Binghamton area. I try to use my experience in conservation to help create impactful change in the communities that I have become a part of.
Education
M.A. Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY
2018 - 2017
- Focused on review writing and graduate school preparation.
B.S. Environmental Biology
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY
2012 - 2009
- Focused on independent research for entomology and environmental biology.
Research Experience
Biology Technician
McArt Laboratory
Cornell University
“current” - 2022
- Participated in a variety of projects that included work in disease ecology and molecular biology as well as independently authored and published a manuscript focused on pesticide detection in bees.
Undergraduate Researcher
Titus Laboratory
Binghamton University
2015 - 2013
- Assisted in studies to determine the effects of chemical runoff in Binghamton’s local wetlands.
- Identified and located ˜20 different native wetland plant species and transplanted them into a controlled area.
Undergraduate Researcher
Miles Laboratory
Binghamton University
2013 - 2011
- Independently examined how parasitic wasps (Cotesia congregate) suppressed feeding behavior of the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Biology Technician
Cape Canaveral National Seashore
National Park Service
2012 - 2011
- Recorded Data based on the nesting behavior of the various sea turtles that nested in Cape Canaveral.
- Analyzed, created, and mapped critical data on 4 endangered sea turtle species.
- Conducted snake surveys for the park services under the supervision of a doctor of herpetology.
Leadership Experience
I have worked in a variety of roles ranging from veterinary technician to teacher to conservation biologist.
Project Leader
Student Conservation Association
Various
2019 - 2018
- Managed a team of national crew leaders at various parks conducting conservation projects and wildlife surveys.
- Managed fuel reduction projects in critically endangered woodland areas in three states. (Alaska, California, Texas)
National Crew Leader
Student Conservation Association
Klawock, AK
2018 - 2018
- Ran the Training Rural Alaskan Youth Leaders and Students program in Klawock, Alaska.
- Independently organized subsistence fishing to provide food for the local communities and provide on the job training, environmental counseling and job placement for rural youth.
National Crew Leader
Student Conservation Association
Wapack Range Massachusetts
2017 - 2017
- Led a team of youth to educate and inspire leadership in conservation in western Massachusetts.
National Crew Leader
Student Conservation Association
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
2017 - 2016
- Ran the Youth Conservation Corps Crew for the U.S Fish and Wildlife agency at Las Vegas, New Mexico.
- Managed a trail maintenance crew to conduct invasive species removal and habitat restoration.
Project Leader
Student Conservation Association
San Mateo County Parks
2016 - 2015
- Trained, managed and instructed a team of adults working on fuel reduction projects in various San Mateo County Parks.
Teaching Experience
I am passionate about equitable education. I believe that no topic is too complex if the teacher is empathetic and willing to think about new methods of approaching task.
Guide
Ithaca Learning Farm
Ithaca, NY
2021 - 2021
- Trained, taught, and mentored “Counselors in Training” and “Leaders in Training” through running their own place-based learning programs that promotes inclusive learning and conflict management.
Guide
Forest Learning Collective
Cortland, NY
2021 - 2020
- Taught children (ages: 9-15) through nature immersion following the Reggio-Emilia style of learning.
Substitute Teacher
Buffalo Public Schools
Buffalo, NY
2021 - 2019
- Filled in on a per diem basis for the absence of regular full-time teachers.
- Primarily responsible for assisting with the continuation of student’s curriculum that ranged from students in pre- kindergarten to seniors in high school.
- Took initiative to make sure classroom was properly managed and engaged with students to help create a positive atmosphere and serve as a role model.
Corps Leader
Student Conservation Association
Allenstown, NH
2014 - 2014
- Instructed high-school students in conservation at a after-school program.
- Worked on service work trips in the public lands of New Hampshire.
- Worked on two 2-week long hitches with six high school members and a partner to improve trails on New Hampshire state land.
Wildlife Experience
Veterinary Technician
N/A
N/A
N/A
Seasonal Zoo Keeper
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
Binghamton, NY
2012 - 2012
- Maintained habitat, handled, fed and monitored the domestic animal section and the exotic aviary center of the zoo.
Veterinary Technician
Laredo Animal Clinic
Laredo, TX
2012 - 2007